diff --git a/backend/src/encoder.rs b/backend/src/encoder.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8858e80
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/src/encoder.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+use std::{env, fs};
+use serde::{Deserialize};
+use anyhow::{Result};
+
+#[derive(Deserialize, Debug)]
+pub struct Encoder {
+    name: String,
+    cmd: String,
+}
+
+#[derive(Deserialize, Debug)]
+pub struct Encoders {
+    processes: u32,
+    encoders: Vec<Encoder>
+}
+
+impl Encoders {
+    pub fn load() -> Result<Encoders> {
+        let file = env::var("MEOW_ENCODING_FILE").unwrap_or("encoding.toml".to_string());
+        let content = fs::read_to_string(file)?;
+        Ok(toml::from_str(&*content)?)
+    }
+}
+
+